Craft Food

It’s not just beer that’s getting a makeover in the capital, food is too, with a number of artisan producers entering the scene.

The craft beer phenomenon has its feet well and truly grounded in Vietnam. Hoping to tap into the craze for small batch, high-quality produce, a number of home bakers and chefs are now offering delivery on a number of craft food products.

Haus of Smoke

Started up by Cao Cuong just over a year ago, Haus of Smoke dedicated over a year to researching the perfect flavours for smoked meat and other items.

“Our inspiration comes from northern Vietnam, where smoked meats are very traditional and special for the local people,” says Cuong. “We noticed a trend where people living in the city would crave new cultural products.”

Using only natural ingredients, the secret comes down to marinades, timing and the wood used in the smoker.

Current products include hand-selected cuts of smoked pork, buffalo, chicken, duck and tofu.

“Our quality control is personal, and food safety and hygiene is our number one priority,” says Cuong.

Founded in December 2016 with the help of Gianfranco Stella, current slices in the range of eight varieties include the spicy salami-topped Diavola (VND40,000), Shibuya beef (VND55,000) and spicy garlic prawns (VND65,000).

“Our product is made by hand in the traditional Roman style,” says Antonio. “Our focus is on bringing the real taste of Italian pizza to your home.”

Gusto pizzas can last up to a year in the freezer and can be cooked in eight minutes, making them the ultimate home convenience.

Founded last year by local chef Nguyen Anh Da, DaanChefs specialise in smoked meat infused with the delicate aromas of green tea.

“Most of our products are new to the Vietnamese market,” explains Da. “As such, most of our customers are restaurants, hotels or expats; but I hope we can serve the Vietnamese in the future.”

One of the most popular products is the green tea smoked bacon (VND250,000 per kilo), but they also have sausage (VND280,000 per kilo), pancetta (VND280,000 per kilo) and ham (VND350,000 per kilo), all smoked with green tea.

Ted landed in Vietnam in 2013, looking for new ways to emulate his globetrotting, octo-lingual grandfather and all-round hero. After spending a year putting that history Masters to good use by teaching English, his plan to return to his careers adviser in a flood of remorseful tears backfired when he met someone special and tied the knot two years on. Now working as a wordsmith crackerjack (ahem, staff writer) for Word Vietnam.